Challenges will increase, conference hears

MEDAN, Indonesia – June 28, 2018: 1.15pm (Nuku’alofa Times): Challenges facing environment journalists in the Southeast Asia and Pacific region will continue to increase as more and more reports on illegal works are being reported in the media.

And the need to have a network of journalists, lawyers, activists and environmentalists was mooted at the current “Defending the Environment Report and Advocacy Challenges” conference here at the JW Marriott Hotel in Medan.

Tonga is among at least 30 journalists, environment advocates/activists, lawyers and environmentalists attending the conference.

The Publisher of the Nuku’alofa Times Iliesa Tora, is attending the three-day conference.

Mr Tora at the conference

Mr Tora, who is also the President of the newly set up Pacific Environment Journalists Network (PEJN), said the conference has been an eye-opener so far with topics that have been discussed.

On Wednesday Mr Tora presented a report on Tonga’s Environment programs, highlighting the work the Department of Environment in Tonga is doing in environment management, conservation and restoration.

Topics included in the conference touched on advocacy work for environment and the challenges faced, the legal factors that environmentalists, environment reporters and activists must know and understand and networking for members.

The conference was organised by the South East Asia Press Alliance and funded by Internews.